MUSTANG MINUTE

In our pursuit of excellence, we are evaluating our current progress through the Leader in Me framework. We invite you to participate in an anonymous survey to help us identify our primary strengths and areas for strategic improvement.

While this is voluntary, high participation ensures our data truly reflects our community. The survey takes roughly 12 minutes to complete and is available at this link. For households with multiple students, please provide responses based on the experience of your oldest child.

Thank you for partnering with us in your child's leadership journey!

Martin Mustangs will be motivated to persevere and show respect and empathy to others.

Join Dr. Klene for a “Walk & Talk” opportunity here at school. This informal gathering is a chance for us to connect, share ideas, and engage in open conversation while enjoying a walk together.

Whether you have questions, feedback, or simply want to chat, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you. Building strong partnerships with our families is important, and this is a great way to continue fostering that connection in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Details:

Date:

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Time:

9:00 AM

Location: Meet at the main entrance of the school

Please feel free to join for all or part of the time—whatever works best for your schedule. I look forward to spending time together and hearing your thoughts!

Please be sure to check out the approved 2026-2027 school calendar here!

Have an update on your former Martin Mustang?!?!? We would love to highlight them and what they have been up to! Complete the form located HERE!

We are proud to celebrate two outstanding former Martin Mustangs, Madeline Loar and Feliciano Qattawi, on their exciting next chapter! Both Madeline and Feliciano have demonstrated incredible dedication, perseverance, and school pride throughout their athletic journeys, and we are thrilled to share that they have committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level next year.

Their accomplishments reflect not only their talent, but also their strong work ethic and commitment to excellence—qualities that began right here at Martin. They serve as inspiring role models for our current students, showing what is possible through determination and passion.

Congratulations, Madeline and Feliciano! Once a Mustang, always a Mustang—we can’t wait to see all you achieve in the years ahead. 🐎

Clothing is now the fastest growing waste in the U.S. waste stream today. 85-90% of all these materials end up in landfills today, and we know the effects that landfills and their emissions have on the planet and climate.

Together, we are keeping hundreds of thousands of pounds out of the landfill and handled

responsibly. Since 2014 we’ve diverted nearly 4 million pounds through just the collection

container program and does not include shoe volumes or materials collected at special events,

contests, drives, Reuse-O-Ramas, rummage sales, and other. And consider clothing is light

weigh item/material so 4 million pounds is something we should all be proud of as a collective

working together for our community.

Tips & Information

Rapid Identity
This is the district's Single Sign On (SSO) portal for all our student curriculum. Students can access this link from any internet connected devices via a browser.

Securly
Is our off-campus content filtering. Parents of 3rd-8th graders are automatically enrolled as long as they have provided an email address during student registration. This provides a weekly email detailing your student(s) browsing activity throughout the week. Additionally, you can setup a parent account that allows more control over what your student(s) can or cannot browse at home. Please follow this link to find out more information about Securly.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households.

PowerSchool Mobile App

For those who would like to use the mobile app our district code is BRZQ

Be Internet Awesome - Google Guide to Internet Awareness

Common Sense Media for Parents

Connect Safely

American Academy of Pediatrics

Cyber Bullying Research Center

Family Media Plan

Josh Och's Smart Social Website

Teen Cell Phone Agreement

Stay Safe Online - National Cyber Security Alliance

Tips on Google Safe Searching

Take It Down

We are proud to continue our Student of the Month Ceremony, a special recognition event that highlights students who consistently demonstrate the 8 Habits of the Leader in Me. Each month, we will focus on one habit and recognize students who consistently model that leadership trait in their words and actions. From Being Proactive to Finding Their Voice, our students are learning how to lead themselves and others in positive ways. We look forward to celebrating their growth and leadership throughout the year! Check out the April Students of the Month who were honored for Using their Voice and Helping Others Find Theirs!

Check out our April Students of the Month who were honored for exhibiting Habit #8!!

Have fun practicing the 7 Habits at home with our Leader in Me Bingo! Complete activities with your family, fill in your card, and bring it back to school for a chance to be entered into our prize drawing. Let’s grow our leadership skills together!

Check out these CONVERSATION starters to see how school has been going!!!

• What was the best thing that happened today?
• What made you laugh today?
• What made you feel proud today?
• Tell me about something challenging or confusing that you learned today!
• What was the hardest thing you had to do today?
• Who did you play with at recess?
• Who were you sitting near at lunch?
• Did anyone do anything nice for you today?
• Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?
• What did you read or talk about in literacy today?
• What kinds of problems did you solve in math today?
• Did you raise your hand in school today? Were you called on?

Dear Mustang Families,

We are so grateful for the continued support and involvement of our amazing parents and guardians! As we plan for upcoming events and activities, we welcome volunteers to help make these experiences meaningful and memorable for our students.

In order to volunteer at Martin School, we ask that ALL interested individuals complete a Volunteer Information Form and Waiver of Liability. These forms help us ensure a safe and organized environment for everyone.

Some of the wonderful ways you can volunteer include:

• Field Day
  
  

• Mystery Reader in the classroom
  
  

• Chaperoning Field Trips
  
  

• And many more opportunities throughout the year!
  
  

Please complete and return the attached form if you are going to be volunteering at Martin this school year!! Thank you for being a vital part of the Martin School community. We look forward to working together to create great memories for our students!

At District 41, the safety, well-being, and positive learning environment of our students remain our top priorities. Over the spring and summer, we strengthened our culture, climate, discipline, and safety systems to ensure schools are welcoming, supportive, and prepared for any situation. Updates include revised behavior rubrics with parent input, student-friendly visuals and bullying definitions, “See Something, Say Something” lessons, and consistent staff discipline procedures. Staff received professional training in restorative practices, PBIS, ALICE, behavioral strategies, and the 7 Habits to reinforce positive school culture. Emergency operations and crisis plans were updated in partnership with local police and fire, with enhanced reunification and rapid entry protocols. Student- and parent-led initiatives, anti-bullying committees, and accessible reporting tools empower our community to support one another. These collective efforts reflect our commitment to prevention, preparedness, and a safe, respectful environment for every student.

Please see the following documents that were presented on curriculum night, and please contact me if you have any questions.

Report a Concern

Student Visual

Each month, students have the chance to be recognized on our Principal’s Pride bulletin board! This special spot highlights students who go above and beyond from anything ranging from leadership at school to incredible school work!! Be sure to check it out when you visit the school—we’re so proud to celebrate our amazing students!

At Olive C. Martin School, we believe that strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and school leaders create the best learning environment for our students. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to be part of our new Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)!

What is the Parent Advisory Committee?

The PAC is a group of parents and guardians who work closely with the school administration to provide input, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit our students and school community. This committee serves as a bridge between families and the school, ensuring that parent voices are heard and valued.

Why Join the PAC?

• Have a Say – Share your thoughts on school practices, programs, and initiatives.

• Stay Informed – Get updates on school events, curriculum, and upcoming decisions.

• Build Community – Connect with other parents and school staff to support student success.

• Make a Difference – Help shape the future of our school and create a positive learning environment.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please contact Dr. Klene if you are interested in serving on the PAC.

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community!

Spring weather is here! As we all know, spring can be unpredictable—ranging from chilly mornings to warmer afternoons, and sometimes even rain or lingering snow. Please be sure your child comes to school dressed in layers so they can stay comfortable throughout the day.

Students will continue to go outside for recess unless the weather is unsafe, so having appropriate outerwear like light jackets, hats, or rain gear is important.

If there is snow on the ground, students will still need snow pants and boots to play in those areas. Without proper snow gear, they’ll still enjoy recess but will be limited to blacktop-only areas.

Thank you for helping us keep all students comfortable, safe, and ready to play!

District 41 puts students and staff first. Our goal is always to have students at school, when we can do so safely. Therefore, the district considers several factors when determining whether to close schools due to extreme weather, including data provided by the National Weather Service, including the temperature, windchill, and warnings. Although we strive each and every time to make the best decision regarding in-person or remote learning, oftentimes, no perfect decision exists. If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school. Additionally, parents/guardians may choose to drop off/pick up their child from school.

The following are some criteria that are used when making school closure decisions. Invariably, there will be situations that do not fit into these guidelines, in which case the administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible.

COLD DAYS - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees, with other conditions considered.

SNOW DAYS - Heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.

E-LEARNING DAYS - An E-Learning Day may be an alternative to being fully closed. These days do not need to be made up at the end of the year. Students and staff would be notified before the end of the preceding day to bring their Chromebooks home. The e-Learning Plan is available on the District website under ‘Parents and Guardians Resources.’

Other Considerations

Multiple conditions that may include blowing snow, winds greater than 20 mph, heavy snow accumulations during travel times, hazardous driving conditions, ice accumulation, the ability of buses to start due to extreme cold, and power or phone outages.

A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible. Parents can also check the district’s website. If schools are open due to weather, parents may keep a child home. They will be marked as excused.

If schools are closed...

District 41 Administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible. District 41 will notify parents by 1:00 PM the previous school day of an e-Learning Day due to extreme weather. Parents will be notified with a target by 5:30 AM if schools need to close entirely for the day. The district makes every effort to inform parents as soon as possible. If schools are closed for the day, all after-school activities in the district, including sports and evening events, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated.

If schools are not closed…

If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school in a timely manner. If school is already in session and conditions begin to worsen, the district will decide by 1:00 PM whether after-school activities will be canceled for that afternoon.

How is the decision to cancel school made?

Superintendents from area districts start communicating with each other as soon as the weather reports start to look threatening. District 41 collaborates with the Millburn, Emmons, Grass Lake, Lakes High School, Woodland, Grayslake Elementary, Grayslake High School, Gavin, Big Hollow, Fox Lake, and Grant High School superintendents. The superintendents generally attempt to reach a consensus on school closures. When area school districts make various decisions, the full District 41 administrative team finalizes the decision.

Header: Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families

We’re excited to offer the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).

With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.

Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connection with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.

Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!

Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.

Reminder that the District provides free and reduced meals for students who qualify.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals visit our website under Food Service.

Click here for information on how to create a meal account for food purchases.

Paid Lunch is $3.65 and reduced lunch is $.40.
Paid breakfast is $2.00 and reduced rate breakfast is $0.30.

As a reminder-

No personal communication devices, including but not limited to cell phones, are

allowed to be used during the school day. Smartwatches may be worn and used as

watches. However, they may not be used as communication devices. At the middle

school, communication devices should be off or disabled, and phones should be in

lockers. At the elementary school, communication devices should be off or disabled,

and phones should be in lockers or in backpacks. In addition, personal communication

devices should not be used until students are outside of the school building at the end

of the school day.

Accessing the Family Support Hub:

Visit ilclassroom.com to access the Family Support Hub without logging in. Click the “Explore Curricula” button at the bottom of the screen and navigate to your student’s subject and grade!

Kindergarten Family Support

First Grade Family Support

Second Grade Family Support

Third Grade Family Support

Fourth Grade Family Support

Fifth Grade Family Support

Please click this link to access the Illustrative Mathematics Parent Information.

Darlene Kuxhouse

847-245-3400 x31001

darlene.kuxhouse@district41.org

DENTAL EXAM REQUIREMENTS:

According to Illinois State Law, all students in Kindergarten,

2nd Grade, and new to an Illinois school must have a dental examination dated and signed by a dentist.

The exam must be dated between November 15, 2024 – May 15, 2026

Forms can be found on the district website: https://www.district41.org

As the seasons continue to change, please be sure your child(ren) have weather-appropriate clothing. Each student should have a change of clothes at school, as messes can occur during lunch, recess, or in class.

Lice Prevention

• Avoid head-to-head and hair-to-hair contact

• Don't share hats, scarves, hoodies, or other clothing

• Don't share hair ribbons, barrettes, combs, or brushes

• Check head and hair for lice or nits/eggs

• Common signs and symptoms of lice include :

• Intense itching on the scalp, body

• A tickling feeling from the movement of hair

• The presence of lice on your scalp, body, and clothing

• Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts.

• Sores on the scalp, neck, and shoulders

Treatment

Recommended treatment includes using either a store-bought

or prescription lice-killing products. Follow the product directions carefully.

With certain products, a second treatment is recommended 7 to 10 days later.

lice policy

Students should eat a good breakfast, drink water, exercise, wash hands often, and get a good night's sleep daily! O.C. Martin has breakfast available. Please check the district website under food services for details and menus.

Healthy snacks are essential in schools for maintaining energy levels, improving concentration and academic performance, supporting physical health and growth, regulating behavior and mood, developing lifelong healthy eating habits, providing educational opportunities, and creating a health-focused school environment. With this being said, District #41 has updated the snack list to reflect additional items. Please click here to see our latest approved snack list.

At the beginning of each school year, school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools are required to notify parents and guardians of the availability of ISBE’s Resource Guide: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf

May 4- Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM @ Palombi Middle School

May 5- Talent Show Dress Rehearsal 3:00-4:30

May 6- National School Nurse Day

May 6- Lake County Educator of the Year Awards

May 7- Martin School Talent Show 6:00-7:00 PM

May 11- Early Learning Family Night 5:30 PM @ Lake Villa Public Library

May 14- Kindergarten Music Concert 6:30 PM @ Martin School

May 15- PTO Presents.....OLD SCHOOL COOL NIGHT OUT!!! 6:00-10:00 PM @ Harbor Barrel Room

May 18- Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM @ Palombi Middle School

May 19- PTO Meeting 6:00 PM @ Lake Villa Public Library

May 21- Principal Walk & Talk! 9:00 AM (Meet at the Main Entrance)

May 21- 5th Grade Band Concert 6:30 PM @ Palombi Middle School

May 25- Memorial Day- No School